Design Thinking
Walking the Talk (2018 -2019)
My experience working with culture transformation projects
Walking the Talk is a consulting firm specialised in working with organisations throughout the world to transform their culture.
Their mission has always been clear: to make the dream of a thriving, sustainable culture a reality for every business.
I was hired in 2018 as a Client Services Coordinator. I was basically the link between consultants and clients regarding all logistical needs. I would coordinate the delivery of workshops, online surveys, and coaching sessions for more than a year. Not only I was working directly with clients and consultants. My role implied frequent interaction with the Finance department when monitoring budget and timeline of projects, and with the HR department when recruiting new Client Services Coordinators and on-boarding new consultants.
Next to this, I showed an early interest in working with the Culture Assessments team. After a few months in the company I was given the chance to contribute to the data analysis of surveys, desk research and focus groups in order to create client reports with the main findings. Here I found something that I enjoyed very much: diving into rich qualitative and quantitative data to understand what are the underlying beliefs of the employees of a company. Later we had to translate this into a compelling story supported by graphics and quotes. Not only about what they do, but about why we think they do it.
Next to this, I showed an early interest in working with the Culture Assessments team. After a few months in the company I was given the chance to contribute to the data analysis of surveys, desk research and focus groups in order to create client reports with the main findings. Here I found something that I enjoyed very much: diving into rich qualitative and quantitative data to understand what are the underlying beliefs of the employees of a company. Later we had to translate this into a compelling story supported by graphics and quotes. Not only about what they do, but about why we think they do it.
5 things I learnt in this work experience
1. I want to work for a company that invest in personal growth and development. In a bit more than a year at Walking the Talk, I received training on public speaking, time management, giving and receiving feedback, etc.
2. Working with decentralized teams is not easy, but it is possible.
3. Setting realistic expectations with the client is capital to the success of the project. I did not do this always in the early stages, and later in the process it was very hard to correct.
4. Clarity is kind. Unclear is unkind (Brené Brown).
5. Taking time to build personal relationships within your team or with clients is always worth it, and it can be fun!
2. Working with decentralized teams is not easy, but it is possible.
3. Setting realistic expectations with the client is capital to the success of the project. I did not do this always in the early stages, and later in the process it was very hard to correct.
4. Clarity is kind. Unclear is unkind (Brené Brown).
5. Taking time to build personal relationships within your team or with clients is always worth it, and it can be fun!
